Paul Merson has voiced a stark opinion about the current Premier League race, insisting that Manchester City are effectively out of contention for the championship if they continue with the style of play they displayed in their recent fixtures. The former England midfielder made his comments after City’s high‑scoring 5‑3 victory over Sunderland, a match that marked the club’s fifth win in as many games under the guidance of Enzo Maresca. Despite the impressive tally of points, Merson believes the way City are winning – by flooding the opposition with goals – is unsustainable against the league’s elite clubs.
Maresca’s side have been riding a wave of confidence, sitting three points clear of the defending champions Arsenal as the season reaches the first international break. Arsenal, meanwhile, suffered a heavy 3‑0 defeat to Brighton, a result that has left many pundits questioning whether the Gunners can maintain their grip on the top of the table. Merson, however, remains convinced that Arsenal’s position is more secure than City’s, and he explains why. "I was watching the Sunderland game and thought, ‘If City can put on such a display and win so convincingly, it could create a massive momentum shift,’" Merson recalled.
"Arsenal had just been thoroughly beaten, and I imagined they would go on to win the league comfortably, losing very few matches. But after seeing City’s performance, I changed my mind completely. There is simply no way Manchester City can win the title if they keep playing like this." According to Merson, the problem lies in the reliance on sheer goal‑scoring rather than a balanced, defensively solid approach. "You can’t just keep scoring a lot of goals to win games.
Top‑level teams will eventually expose the weaknesses in a side that is overly focused on attack," he warned. He noted that Sunderland, while not the most prolific side in the country, managed to find the net three times against City and could have added more, highlighting defensive frailties in the Manchester outfit.
Merson went on to describe City’s defensive organization as “all over the place,” suggesting that such instability will catch up with them, especially when they face the league’s heavyweight clubs. He drew a parallel with Enzo Maresca’s previous tenure at Chelsea, emphasizing that Maresca is not a fan of chaotic football and prefers a more disciplined structure.
"He won’t be happy with a result that comes from chaos," Merson said, implying that the current style does not align with Maresca’s philosophy. The former midfielder also referenced City’s recent win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, where they finished the match with ten men.
While acknowledging the victory, Merson argued that it was not a true test of City’s quality. "When you’re down to ten men, the pressure eases a bit, and you can rely on a lone striker like Erling Haaland to do the damage. But over a full 90‑minute, 11‑against‑11 game, United proved to be the stronger side," he asserted.
Shifting focus to Arsenal, Merson expressed curiosity about manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical choices, particularly the decision to start Bruno Guimarães instead of Myles Lewis‑Skelly in the match against Brighton. He speculated that Arteta might have been trying to manage player fatigue after a demanding fixture against Manchester United, but he remained unconvinced that the substitution was the right call.
"Bruno is an excellent player, especially in a low‑block system where his passing range and intelligence shine," Merson acknowledged. "However, when you want to dominate possession, you need a player who can keep the ball moving at a higher tempo. In that regard, Bruno’s style can sometimes slow the game down." Merson also reflected on a previous appearance by Guimarães as a substitute against Aston Villa, where he impressed with his ability to retain possession, execute one‑twos, and dictate the tempo.
He suggested that Arteta might have regretted his decision to alter the lineup in a challenging match, but he clarified that he does not blame Guimarães for Arsenal’s defeat. The former striker concluded with a broader observation about football at the highest level: talent and accolades alone do not guarantee success if a team cannot impose its will on the opponent. "You can have all the individual quality in the world, but if the opposition presses you, forces you to play defensively, and makes you keep your head down, the match becomes an entirely different contest," he said.
Merson gave credit where it was due, praising Brighton’s performance as “absolutely brilliant” and recognizing them as a strong side capable of challenging the league’s traditional powerhouses. He emphasized that consistency, defensive solidity, and tactical clarity are essential for any club aspiring to lift the Premier League trophy. In summary, Paul Merson’s analysis underscores a fundamental belief: Manchester City’s current brand of high‑scoring, loosely organized football may win games in the short term, but it is unlikely to secure the league title against disciplined, well‑structured opponents. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s recent setbacks have not shaken his conviction that they remain the more reliable contender for the crown, provided they maintain their defensive discipline and strategic approach throughout the season.